By Melissa Davlin, Idaho Reports
Gov. Brad Little has vetoed a bill that would provide Master Educator Premiums for school district employees who transitioned from teaching to administrative roles.
In his veto letter, Little said the premium program is set to sunset on July 1, 2024, and that he would rather the legislature focus on keeping teachers in the classroom with increased pay and benefits. He pointed out that the original intent of the program was to keep teachers in the classroom.
“By providing them to teachers who moved outside of teaching roles, this appears to be at odds with the original purpose of this program,” Little wrote.
In the statement of purpose, bill sponsor Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, said the proposal would provide the premiums for an estimated 23 administrative professionals who transitioned from teaching to management after their acceptance to the Master Educator Premium program. He estimated the proposal would cost the state about $191,000 before the 2024 sunset date.
The House is scheduled to consider a veto override on March 21st.
Read Little’s veto letter below.
Melissa Davlin | Host, Lead Producer
Melissa Davlin is the lead producer and host of Idaho Reports. She has covered the Idaho Legislature since 2012. She also produces for Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Public Television. She has won multiple awards for her work, including a regional Emmy for her documentary on Chinese immigration in Idaho, Idaho Press Club broadcast reporter of the year for 2015 and 2019, the Idaho Press Club First Amendment Award, and the 2019 Boise State University Enhancing Public Discourse award. She lives in Boise with her husband and two children.
